Gray Jay

Gray Jay, Perisoreus canadensis

The Gray Jay, although much more common in Canada and Alaska, can be found year round in patchy areas of the western United States. These birds have very thick plumage that envelopes the legs and feet when puffed, and feathers that cover its nostrils. They cache food during the summer to sustain through harsh winters. Their sticky saliva is used to glue small food items to branches above eventual snow lines. Gray jays have been observed making over 1,000 sticky caches within one day. This adaptation not only allows for survival during the winter far north, but makes late winter nesting possible.

Also known as Camp Robber, or Whiskey Jack.

Rather than attempt a second brood in the summer, they prepare for the winter and take advantage of all food sources possible. Omnivorous gray jays have been observed eating not only arthropods, berries, fungi, carrion, and eggs, but also baby bats and blood-filled ticks off other animals. These birds are well-known for their bold behavior, gaining nicknames such as "Camp Robber" and "Whiskey Jack" in their search for food.